চলচিত্রের ইতিহাসে পিনাকী চক্রবর্তীর নতুন প্রেক্ষাগৃহ

"This is like my second Santiniketan," remarked Rabindranath Tagore while shooting for the film Natyer Pooja at the New Theatres studio. New Theatres, established in the 1930s, was modeled after Santiniketan. Founded by one of Indian cinema's greats, Birendranath Sarkar (B.N. Sarkar), New Theatres once dominated the film industry, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema history.

The studio's vibrant atmosphere fostered creativity, with filmmakers and artists working in an environment that nurtured their dreams of making great films. It became a hub for artistic and cinematic development, providing a solid foundation for Indian cinema's architecture. Within just twenty-five years, nearly 166 films in multiple languages were produced under its banner.

However, fifty years ago, New Theatres released its last film, and since then, this once-celebrated institution has faded into the pages of history. Though the studio still exists, it is but a shadow of its former self, no longer the powerhouse it once was under B.N. Sarkar’s leadership.

Although the history of New Theatres has not been adequately preserved or properly honored, its contributions to Indian cinema cannot be denied. This book sheds light on New Theatres’ unforgettable legacy, its role in modern filmmaking, and its monumental influence in elevating cinema as an art form, offering a comprehensive discussion on its pivotal role in the history of Indian cinema.